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ugbee's Popular Plays 



Billy's Aunt Jane 



BY 
WILLIS N. BUGBEE 



PRICE 25 CENTS 



The Willis N. Bugbee Co 

SYRACUSE, N. Y. 



THE IDEAL COMMENCEMENT PLAY 

SOME CLASS 

By Edith F. A. U. Palnton, author of "Commencement 
Manual," "Crimson and the Blue," "The Dear Boy Grad- 
uates," etc. 

A splendid new play by an author of wide experience, and 
in this play she is at her best. 

This play takes the class through the whole four years of 
high school life, depicting familiar scenes therein — class elec- 
tions, games, etc. It is a play of the first class, extremely well- 
written, and full of good healthy humor. Easy to present. 
Plays one hour and forty minutes. Six males, nine females. 
Price 35 cents. 



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gested. Time 15 to 45 min. 25 cents. 



The Willis N. Bugbee Co., Syracuse, N. Y' 



Bogbee's Popular Plays 

Billy's Aunt Jane 

BY 
WILLIS N. BUQBEE 



Author of ''The Coonville 'Ristocrat Club,'' "Hiram and th€ 

Peddlers,'" ''Uncle Ephraim's Summer Boarders," 

"Jolly Dialogues," etc., etc. 



Copyright, 1918, by Willis N. Bugbee 



Tke Willis N. Bugtee Co, 
SYRACUSE, N. Y. 






BILLY'S AUNT JANE. 



CHARACTERS 



I Billy's Classmates. 



Pbofessob Stephens President of Bellmore College. 

Billy Blakesley A Popular Bellmore Student. 

Tom Bubke „ Billy's Room.mate. 

Ralph Petebs 
Habby Hunteb 

Philandeb Wells A Mining Expert. 

Deacon Podges A Tight-Fisted Farmer, 

Sam Johnson A Colored Chore Boy. 

Mbs. Jane Bbiggs Billy's Aunt. 

Miss Wiggins A Maiden Lady. 

DoBA Gbant ^ 

Alice Moobe 
Bebtha Wbight 



I Students at Bellmore. 



1 
Anna Moxley J 

Katie Mubphy A Hired Woman. 

Time — The Present. 

Place — Bellmore College and Buxton, U. S. A. 

Time of Playing — One Hour and Thirty Minutes, or Longer. 

costuhes 

Peof. Stephens, Acts I-III, dark suit, long coat; Act II, light 
linen suit, straw hat. Billy, Tom, Ralph and Habby, Acts I-III, 
ordinary school suits; Act II, light trousers, belts, blouses, sport- 
ing caps. Mb. Wells, business suit. Deacon, coarse baggy 
clothes, soft hat, uses cane. Sam, Acts I-II, common work 
clothes; Act III, white pants and vest, dark dress coat, wide 
standing collar, straw hat. Aunt Jane, Acts I-III, plain, old- 
fashioned dress and bonnet; Act II, common work dress, large 
apron. Miss Wiggins, Act II, plain dress; Act III, odd, old- 
fashioned dress and hat. Alice, Doba, Bebtha and Anna, Act I, 
ordinary clothing; Acts II-III, neat summer costumes. Katie, 
Act II, work dress, large apron; Act III, plain, dark dress, small 
white apron. 

FEB 16 1918 &Z\.D 'l«9f>:! 



TMP92-008722 T^. / 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

ACT I. 

Scene: Sitting-room of college boarding house. Chairs, sofa 
or settee, small table or stand, one or two pictures and a number 
of college pennants on the wall comprise the furnishings. Billy 
is discovered sitting at table studying. Sam is heard singing a 
snatch of coon song off stage. 

{Enter Sam loitli letters) 

Sajm. Heah dey is, Mistah Billy — heah am de lettahs wat 
yo'se done been s'pectin'. Dat one on de top am de bery same 
letter dat comes ebry week jes as reglar as de clock work. 
Reckon dat am from yo' sweetheart, ain't it? 

Billy. You're right, Sam, it is from one of my sweethearts. 

Sam. Prom one of dem? Golly! How many ob dem does 
yo' hab, I jes' lak to know? 

Billy. Couldn't say off-hand, Sam. However, this one hap- 
pens to be from my Aunt Jane. 

Sam. Huh! From yo' Aunt Jane? Reckon she mus* be a 
mighty good aunt to write so off'n. 

Billy. That's exactly what she is. She's the best aunt in 
all the world. If I didn't hear from her once a week I should 
think something had happened to her. 

Sam. An' if I done heah from my Aunt Mandy down in 
Louisiana once in fohteen yeahs I done tink sumpin happen sho 
nuff. Well, I gotter go'n gib dese lettahs to de odder fellers. 
Specks dey'll be wantin' to heah from dere sweethearts, too. 
{Exit whistling.) 

Billy {looking at letters). Let's see, now — here's a bill 
from Stimson & Co., the clothiers, for that suit of clothes. Thank 
fortune, I've got the money right here in my pocket to pay 
them. Here's another one from Bob Preston, my last year's 
roommate. I'm always mighty glad to hear from Bob. How- 
ever, Aunt Jane's letter comes first every time. {Opens it and 
reads. Pause.) Well, well, so Squire Wheeler and old Peggy 
Johnson have got married at last. I should say it was high 
time. Twenty years is ahout long enough for any couple 
to keep company. {Pause while reading.) And Jack Brown's 
got a new automobile. Whew! He'll cut a figure now all right. 
I can just imagine him taking the girls out riding. {Reads to 
himself.) A new brass band started. Buxton's certainly getting 
to be some town. {Pause while reading.) Hello! What's this? 
The Buxton National Bank failed! Gee whillikins! That's 
where Aunt Jane keeps her money. {Reads aloud.) "It is 
thought that everybody will lose their entire savings." (Gives 
prolonged whistle.) I suppose that means that I must give' 
up school. Here's what she says, "Now, Billy, I don't know 
jest how long I can keep you in college, but I'll try to have you 



4 BILLY'S AUNT JANS 

finish the term anyway." Jupiter! Is it as bad as that? She'll 
try to keep me till the term is over. {Sits in thought for some 
time, finally strikes table emphatically with fist.) I'll do it, 
yes, sir, I'll do it! 

(Enter Tom Burke) 

Tom. Well, what is the wonderful deed you're going to do, 
Billy? Nothing desperate, I hope. 

Billy (turning suddenly). It is desperate. That's exactly 
what it is. 

Tom. Proceed with the stcry. Not going to cast yourself 
into the raging torrent? Or will you use gas? 

Billy. It's not quite so had as that. I'll tell you, Tom, 
I'm going to quit school. 

Tom. Going to leave school? Why? When? 

Billy. Can't say exactly when. Sometime this week — per- 
haps tomorrow. I must see Prof, first. 

Tom. You don't mean it! You're out of your head — been 
studying too hard of late, haven't you? 

Billy. No, I'm not loony. Never was saner in my life. 
Read that if you v/ant to know. (Tosses letter to Tom.) 

Tom (reading to himself). Great Scott! So you were in 
love with the venerable Peggy and the Deacon cut you out, 
eh? 

Billy. Fiddlesticks! I'm not in love. Read the rest of 
it. 

Tom. Now I understand — it's the automobile. You're jeal- 
ous of your neighbor, Jack Brown. 

Billy. No, Tom, it is neither jealousy nor love — that is, not 
love in the sense you take it. Read on and you will soon dis- 
cover the real cause. 

(A pause while Tom reads the letter.) 

Tom. By George! It's too bad, Billy, it is for a fact. Is 
that all the means your aunt had? 

Billy. Practically all except her home. There are about 
fifteen acres of land with it, but mostly all rocks. Remember 
the photograph I showed you? 

Tom. Yes, and a mighty pretty place it appeared to be — 
right on the shore of the lake. I should say it would be an 
ideal place to spend the summer. 

Billy. It certainly is. My aunt and her ancestors have 
enjoyed it for a good many summers. 

Tom. I say — what will you do if you should leave school, 
Billy? 

BnxY. Don't know yet. Probably hire out as a farm 
hand or — well, anything that comes along. At any rate, I have a 
responsibility on my hands now. Aunt Jane has been as good 
to me as a mother could possibly be and I would do anything 
to keep her from want and suffering. 



BILLY'S AUNT JANB 5 

Tom. Thats' right, Billy, I don't blame you, but it does 
seem a pity to have to leave now when only one more year 
would complete your course and you would then be better able 
to provide for her. 

Billy, True, old chap, but we must live in the meantime. 
At the present cost of living, together with the college ex- 
penses and ail — I tell you it's a hard problem to solve. 

Tom. Well, don't be too hasty whatever you do, Billy. 
Let's study this thing out together. Between us we may yet 
solve the problem. 

Billy. As we have so often done in our geometry, eh? 

Tom. Yes, with perhaps a little well-timed advice from 
Prof. But speaking of eating reminds me that I haven't done 
that little stunt since early this morning. I'm nearly famished. 
Come on; let's get a lunch. 

Billy. Really, I don't feel like it just now, Tom. 

Tom. I say, don't be too down-hearted, old fellow. You 
and your aunt will come out all right in the end, see if you 
don't. Come along and a get a bite to brace you up, 

Billy. Well, perhaps, I'll go and get a cup of coffee just to 
steady my nerves. (Exeunt R.) 

{Enter Alice and Bertha, L.) 

Alice. I wonder where Billy and Tom are. I thought they 
were in here. 

Bertha. I think there's something to pay. They were 
talking very earnestly a few minutes ago when I came by the 
door. 

Alice. We'll have to find out today if they are going to 
take parts in the play or not. 

Bertha. If Billy doesn't take the part of Colonel Grimes I 
don't know whom we can get for it. 

Alice. The part just fits him. He's always doing some- 
thing to help somebody out of a scrape, same as the Colonel 
is. You remember that part in the play where the Colonel 
protects the girls from the ruffians? Well, I imagine Billy 
would do exactly the same thing. 

Bertha. And you know now dramatic the Colonel gets 
when he says, "Back! You dark and treacherous villain! Would 
you take the life of an innocent boy because he will not betray 
his dearest friend? Back, I say, or I will strike you to the 
ground!" {The above is recited ivith dramatic effect, the arms 
raised as if to strike an imaginary villain. During the recital 
Sam enters and makes ludicrous business of dodging the blows. 
Appears frightened.) 



6 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

Sam. Oh, Lawdy sakes, Miss Bertha, don't strike! don't 
strike! I — I may be dark but I ain't no treachersome villain, an' 
I ain't tryin' to betray nobody nor nuffin, deed I ain't. 

Bertha. Goodness, Sam! Are you there? And did you 
think I took you for a villain? 

(Girls laugh.) 

Sam. I dunno wat you' done took me fo' but I know yo' 
jes' erbout scared de daylights plum outer me, dat's wat I knows. 

Beetha. It's only a part in a play, Sam. You certainly 
would make a funny villain. 

Sam. Well, I'se suah glad I ain't in dat fellow's shoes, I 
is fo' a fac'. 

(Girls laugh.) 

Alice. Have you seen Billy and Tom anywhere, Sam? 

Sam. No'm, I ain't seed Mistah Tom roun' nowhar. I'se 
jes' now lookin' fo' him to gib him dis yere lettah. 

Alice. If you do see either of them tell them we're looking 
for them. 

Sam. Yes'm, I suah will. (Starts to leave room and huvips 
into Professor Stephens who is just entering. He falls to 
floor.) Oh, Lawdy sakes alibe! I'se done kilt now suah! (Sees 
Prof.) 'Scuse me, am dat you', Professor? 

Prof. S. Yes, sir, I believe it is me-^or rather I. And 
allow me to say that if you would use your eyes to better ad- 
vantage you would not get into such scrapes. 

Sam. Yes, sah, dat's so. (Runs off.) 

Prof. He's the most heedless fellow I ever saw. 

Alice. But very convenient to have around sometimes, 
Professor. 

Prof, (surprised at girVs presence). Ah, good morning, 
young ladies. Have you seen Mr. Billy — er, I mean, William 
Blakesley? I don't seem to be able to find him anywhere. 

Bertha. We are looking for him ourselves but we can't 
find him. 

Prof. Ah yes, he appears to be quite a popular young man 
just now. 

Alice. Come, Bertha, we'll look in the library. If we find 
him we'll tell him that you wish to see him. 

Peof. Thank you — thank you. Tell him to come down to 
my office. (Exeunt girls.) A very popular young man and a 
very worthy one. I wish there were more like him. Any par- 
ent should be proud of such a son. 

(Enter Ralph and Harry in conversation) 

Ralph. But I tell you right now, Harry, if we don't get an 
A No. 1, pitcher, we'll never win the game — never. The Bayville 
nine have the best battery they've ever had. 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 7 

Harry. It's a shame that Clarksy had to be taken sick just 
at this thne. 

Ralph. Yes, but he is and we've got to make the best of it— 
that's all. Now if we could only get — (discovers Professor). 
Why, Professor, are you here? We were so interested in our 
game that we didn't see you. 

Prof. I hear it is to be a great game tomorrow, boys. 

Harry. Yes, sir; it's to be the deciding game, but I'm afraid 
we're done for. Our pitcher was taken sick yesterday. 

Prof. Who is your pitcher this year? 

Harry. Clarksey — John Clark. 

Prof. Strange I hadn't heard of it. Is Mr. Clark very 
sick? 

Raiph. Yes, sir; taken with pneumonia yesterday after- 
noon. 

Prof. Too bad — too bad all around. I'll have to go and see 
Mr. Clark. And say, boys, if I could pitch a ball as well as I 
could thirty years ago I'd help you out in a minute. (Boys 
laugh.) 

Ralph. We know it without you're telling it, Professor. 
We know that your heart is with us. 

Prof. But isn't there someone else you can get? 

Harry. Only one mr.n, and that is Billy Blakesley, but he's 
alvv/^ays so busy. 

Prof. Quite true. Mr. Blakesley is one of our busiest men 
in the college — and that reminds me — he may be at the office 
waiting for me now. I shall have to go. 

Ralph. We'll go with you. W^e must see Billy at once. 
(Exeunt R.) 

(Enter Sam, L., with letter) 

Sam. Hi, golly! I can't fin' dat Mistah Tom nowhars to 
gib him dis lettah. (Studying letter closely.) It says on heah, 
"Return in fibe days to John H. Burke, Chicago." Ef I don't 
hustle an' fin' him 'fore dem fibe days are up he won't hab no 
lettah, no sah. 

(Enter Billy and Tom, R.) 

Sam. Oh, heah yo' is now. 

Tom. What's the trouble, Sam? 

Sam. Heah am a lettah fo' Mistah Thomas Burke from de 
ham-bone — I mean de pork city. 

Tom. It's from father. Give it here, you rascal. (Opens 
letter and reads. Exit Sam.) Listen to this, will you? 
(Reads.) 
My dear Son: 

I am writing this to inform you that business affairs will 
prevent mother and myself from making any plans for the sum- 



S BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

mer, so you are at liberty to spend your vacation v/lierever and 
however you like. You may call upon me for any reasonable 
allowance to cover your expenses. 

Prom your father, 

JOHN H. BURKE. 

(Whistles.) Now, what do you think of that? Spend the 
summer where and how I please. There's another problem for 
us to solve. 

Billy. I'm afraid we have more than we can master already. 

Sam (outside). Yes'm, right dis way, ma'am. 

(Enters, R.. carrying satchel.) I've done brung yo' sweet- 
heart, Mistah Billy. 

Billy. My sweetheart? 

(Enter Aunt Jane, R.) 

Why, Aunt Jane! Are you here? 

Aunt J. Yes, Billy, I jest had to come to explain matters 
to you. It takes too long to do it by mail. 

(Tom moves toward door) 

Billy. Hold on, Tom, don't go. I want you to meet my 
aunt. This is my roommate, Aunt Jane. 

Aunt J. Well now, I'm awfully glad to see you. I feel's 
if we were real well acquainted already. 

Tom. That's about the way I feel, Mrs. Briggs. 

Billy. Now, Aunt Jane, tell us all about it and we'll listen 
— and oh say! Will you go and ask Prof, to come here, Sam? 

Sam. Yes sah, an' all de rest ob dem folks wat's been 
lookin' for you'. (Exit R.) 

Aunt J. Well, I told you in the letter about the bank failin'. 
You see that new cashier they got there embezzled a lot of the 
money an' skipped off to Canada or somewhere else. 

Billy. And wasn't anything saved? 

Aunt J. Not a penny so far's we can find out. But you 
needn't worry, I've been thlnkin' of a way to keep you in 
school. That's what I came to tell you about. 

Billy. How, Aunty? 

Aunt J. I've been talkin' with Deacon Podger about his 
takin' a mortgage on the place. It's his own offer an' — 

Billy. And has he done so? 

Aunt J. Not yet, but he seems real anxious an' willin' to 
do it. 

Billy. No doubt of it. You can tell him, however, that 
his money is not needed. I'll quit school before I'll allow you 
to mortgage your home, and especially to a man like Deacon 
Podger. 

Aunt J. Why, Billy — 

Billy. I've made up my mind to that, Aunt Jane, and 
nothing can budge me. 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 9 

{Enter Professor, R.) 

Professor Stephens, this is my aunt, Mrs. Jane Briggs. 

Prof. I am very glad to make your acquaintance, Mrs. 
Briggs, and I wish to inform you that your nephew is an honor 
to our school. 

Aunt J. I'm real glad to hear he's doin' well in his studies. 

Prof. And I wish to inform you, Mr. Blakesley, that your 
standings were the highest of any in your class in the last quar- 
terly test. Mr. Burke was not far behind you. I congratulate 
you both. 

Boys. Thank you. Professor, thank you. 

Aunt J. Well now, that's jest the way Billy used to do 
in the district school. 

Billy. Now, Professor Stephens, I have something to tell 
you — something that I regret very much indeed. 

Prof. Well, out with it, young man. 

Billy. My aunt comes with bad news. Through the failure 
of our local bank all her available cash has been swept away, con- 
sequently I feel it my duty to leave sch.ool in order to — 

Prof. To leave school? Impossible! Why, my boy, we 
can't spare you, we can't possibly spare you. 

{Enter Alice and Bertha, followed "by Ralph and Harry.) 

Alice. Oh, here he is! Will you people please pardon us 
if we interrupt you. We wish to know if Mr. Blakesley will 
take the part of Colonel Grimes in our play. Will you, Billy? 

Billy. Why — I — er — 

Ralph. And we hope you'll pardon us, too. Say, Billy, old 
chap, we're in a deuce of a fix. Clarksy's sick and we've got 
to have a pitcher for tomorrow's game or we lose. Will you 
do it? 

Prof. There, young man, what did I tell you? We can't 
let you go. You're an indispensable part of the college just 
now. 

Several. What's the row, anyway? Is Billy going to leave 
us? It can't be done. 

Billy. Well, I'll tell you, classmates. My Aunt Jane, whom 
I wish you all to know — the dearest aunt in the world — has 
suddenly lost her property — all except her little home, and so 
I feel in honor bound to leave school in order to support her 
and myself rather than mortgage her home. 

Several. Good for you! 

ToM. I say, Billy, I think I have a scheme that may solve 
the problem for a while at least. 

Billy. You have? How? 

Tom. Well, you know dad says I may spend the summer 
wherever and however I like and he'll foot the bill. 



10 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

Billy. I don't see the connection. 

Tom. Don't you? Then I'll tell you. The fancy prices that 
I would pay at a seaside resort I would rather pay to you for 
the privilege of spending the summer at your home if you would 
let me. 

Billy. Now, Tom, what are you talking about? 

Tom. It's true. I would enjoy it a hundred per cent better 
and I'm sure there are others here in college who would like 
to spend the summer there if they knew what a delightful place 
it is — right on the lake shore, with plenty of boating and bathing 
and fishing and — 

Bertha. Oh say! Wouldn't that be a splendid place for our 
girls' club! 

Tom. What do you say, Aunt Jane — pardon me, I mean 
Mrs. Briggs? 

Aunt J. Why, I'd like it real well. I always did like to 
have young folks around. We took boarders once, a long time 
ago, when Mr. Briggs was alive. 

Billy. We could fix up the cottage for some of them, 
couldn't we, Aunty? 

Aunt J. Why, yes, I guess so if they'd like it. 

Tom. Then it's a go, and both our problems are partly 
solved. 

Prof. Perhaps I shall like to engage board with you my- 
self, Mrs. Briggs. I'll see. 

{Several call out, ''What, you too. Professor?'') 

Prof. At any rate, Mr. Blakesley, your college expenses 
will be cancelled for the balance of the term. 

Billy. Thank you, Professor. 

Alice. And you will take part in the play, Billy? 

Ralph. And how about the game? 

Billy. Yes, I'll do the best I can to help you both. 

Tom. Let's give three cheers for Mr. Billy Blakesley. (All 
cheer.) And now three more for Billy's Aunt Jane. (All cheer.) 

(A lively college song may he sung as the curtain falls.) 
Curtain. 

ACT II. 

Scene. — Sitting room at Aunt Jane's home. Old fashioned 
furniture. A sofa or settee at R. may be the same one as in first 
act but with different cover, pillows, etc. A fireplace with 
mantel at C. rear. 

Katie is discovered dusting and tidying the room. Voices 
are heard off stage singing a lively college song as curtain rises. 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 11 

Katie. Well, jist hear thim byes an' gurls a singin'. It's 
always something they're up to — first wan thing an' thin another 
the whole blissed toime except whin they're ashlape, an' hivin 
knows that's little enough. In all the sivin years I've been wid 
Mrs. Briggs I niver saw sich excitement an' commotion as 
there's been here this summer. But afther all they do be makin' 
jolly toimes for us. The v/orst trouble I have is wid the naygur, 
jist thryin' to keep him busy an' out uv mischief. (Singing off 
stage, " The Girl I Left Behind Me.'') Faix, wull yez listen to 
thot. 'Tis the song me Pat is always a singin'. (Stops a moment 
to listen, then joins in song. She works and sings ivith back 
to R.) 

(Enter Sam R. with huge piece of cake.) 

Sam (sits in chair and eats). Golly, dis suah am a picnic! 
Dem wimmen folks knows jes' how to cook de eatables. Dey — 

Katie. Here you black spalpeen! Phwat are yez doin' in 
the settin' room gettin' crumbs all over me carpet, after I've 
swept an' dusted? 

Sam (frightened). I 'clare to goodness! I — I didn't know 
yo' was heah, Miss Katie. 

Katib, Wull, ye'd better belave I am, an' phwat's more, 
ye're eatin' up all me missus' cake, ye haythen. 

Sam. Yes'm, yo' see I done finished shellin' de peas an' 
I— I'se eatin' de cake so's to get strength fo' de nex' job. 

Katie. Strength? Begorra, thin yez must have the strength 
uv Samson. Ye'd betther be usin' some uv it on the woodpile 
an' thin come in an pare some pertaties for dinner. D'ye hear? 

Sam. Yes'm, my hearin' 'pears to be in bery good condition. 

Katie. Thin yez betther be heedin' me advice before I get 
the broom. 

Sam (hurrying off). Yes'm, I'se gwine! I'se gwine! I'll 
hab de wood split fo' yo' can say — Pat McGinnis. (Rushes 
out, R.) 

Katie (chasing him off stage). Ye black haythen! I niver 
saw the loikes uv sich a bye. If I was to be pestered wid him 
all me days I'd have narvous combustion, so I would. (Brushes 
up crumbs.) Wull, bliss me shtars! If there ain't old Miss 
Wiggins aturnin' in at the gate. I wonder phwat she's got on 
her mind now. 

(Enter Mrs. Wiggins, L.) 

Miss W. Good mornin', Katie. 

Katie. Mornin', Miss Wiggins. Ye're on hand airly this 
mornin'. 

Miss W. Yes, jest stopped in on my way hum from the 
store. My! you're as slick as a whistle here! Takes a lot of 
work with all them college folks round, don't it? 



12 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

Katie. You're right, mum, it does, but afther all they're 
as foine a bunch as iver ye'd laid eyes on, an' jest as full uv 
fun as a monkey is full uv thricks. 

Miss W. First thing you know, Katie, you'll be fallin' in 
love with one of them young fellers an' mebbe elopin'. 

Katie. Ach worry! Phwat would me ov/n darlint Pat say 
if he should hear yez talkin' thot way? 

Miss W. Dear me suz! I'd forgot about Pat. He's all 
right, Katie. Don't give him up for anything. Now what's 
become of Mis' Briggs? Hain't gone away nowhere, has she? 

Katie. No, mum, she's out in the garden. I'll jist tell 
her you're here. (Exit R.) 

{A sound of shouting and laughing outside.) 

Miss W. My land! What a noisy lot they be. It's most 
like Bedlam let loose. I don't know for my part how Jane 
Briggs can stand it. 

(Enter Aunt Jane with 'bouquet of old-fashioned flowers.) 

Miss W. Howdy, Mis' Briggs. Jest thought I'd step in an' 
see how you was gettin' along. My! ain't them pretty flowers. 
Mine didn't seem to do anything 'tall this year. 

Aunt J. I ain't had a mite of trouble with mine. I'll let 
you pick a bouquet to take home if you want to. 

Miss W. Thank you. I'd like to first-rate. Them are the 
real old-fashioned ones, too. 

Aunt J. Yes, I like the old-fashioned posies best, so did 
Mr. Briggs, and so does Professor Stephens. 

Miss W. Perfessor Stephens? Is that his name. I heerd 
you had a real perfessor here. And a darky, too. Say, I'd jest 
like to know if that darky's a student. 

Aunt J. Land sakes, no! He's jest a helper around the 
college. 

Miss W. Well, don't it beat all. You've got the hull kit 
an' caboodle from the perfessor down. 'Bout how old is he, 
would ye say? 

Aunt J. Who do you mean. Miss Wiggins — the darkey or 
the Professor? 

Miss W. Why, the perfessor, of course. You don't s'pose 
I'm interested in niggers' ages? 

Aunt J. Well, I should say Professor Stephens is about 
fifty or thereabouts. 

Miss W. Not so very old after all. And is he married? 

Aunt J. He's a widower an' has one daughter. She's 
livin' with her grandma. 

Miss W. Do tell. Now ain't that too bad — the poor man 
livin' all alone. My heart goes out to him. I'll have to get 
an introduction an' try to cheer him up. 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 13 

Aunt J. I presume likely you'll have a chance. He's goin' 
to be here all summer. 

(Enter Billy and Tom, L.) 

Miss W. Well, if here ain't Mr. Billy. I ain't seen him 
since he got home. ( To Billy.) My sakes! You've grown 
bigger'n your aunt. They must be feedin' you well down to 
college. 

Billy. Haven't suffered much on that account yet, have 
we, Tom? 

Tom. No one would think so if they should see us eat. 

Billy. By the way, Miss Wiggins, shake hands with my 
chum, Mr. Thomas Burke. He's young and handsome and un- 
married. 

Miss W. (shaking hands). Well, do tell! I'm real glad 
to meet you, Mr. Burke. 

Tom. Thanks. I'm equally glad to know you. 

Billy. What's the news, Miss Wiggins? You usually keep 
pretty well posted on current topics. 

Miss W. I consider it my duty to keep well informed on 
neighborhood affairs. I don't know of anything special *cept 
that they're talkin' of havin' a Fourth of July celebration here 
next week. They're goin' to have fireworks an' parade an' the 
new band, an' they would have a ball game but one of the boys 
told Susie, that's my niece, tother day they couldn't get enough 
fellers to make up a nine. They was goin' to play with the 
Schuyler Hill boys. 

Billy. Gee! That's great! A Fourth of July celebration! 
What do you say, Tom, let's help 'em out on the ball game. 

Tom. I'm with you. We'll make it the greatest event of 
the season. 

Billy. We'll put Peters behind the bat. 

Tom. And yourself in the pitcher's box. 

Billy. Come on! We'll get up a nine that will make the 
Schuyler Hill lads look like a picked up nine from a day nursery. 

Miss W. They do say the Schuyler Hill boys are great 
ball players. 

Billy. If they beat us we'll give 'em a medal. Eh, Tom? 

Tom. Sure thing. (Exeu7it J)oys, L.) 

Miss W. Well, did you ever! They're nothin' but boys yet. 
Now I guess I'll go an' get that bokay an' then I'll go on home. 
But I do wish I could meet that perfessor. 

Aunt J. Take any of the flowers you want, Miss Wiggins. 
(Exit Miss W., R. Aunt J. arranges flowers on the mantel 
shelf.) I've heard it said there's a Jack for every Jill, but some- 
how or other Miss Wiggins has had the awfullest luck a findin' 



14 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

her Jack that ever was. She's tried to catch every man that's 
ever come to Buxton but I'm afraid she'll never find one. 
(Enter Professor, who stands and admires flowers tohile she 
arranges them. Aunt J. turns and discovers him.) 

Aunt J. Mercy, Professor! How you startled me. I didn't 
know you were here. 

Prof. I beg your pardon, Mrs. Briggs. I was admiring 
your beautiful flowers. They remind me of the ones my dear 
old mother used to raise years ago in my childhood home. 

Aunt J. So you used to live in the country, did you, Mr. 
Stephens? 

Prof. I was born and bred a country boy, and everything 
about your lovely home " carries me back to my youth again," 
as the poet says. 

Aunt J. I'm real glad you enjoy it here. I was afraid 
you would find it monotonous. 

Prof. Indeed we do not. We are all of us having the time 
of our lives. 

Aunt J. An' I'm real glad there are so many rocks on the 
old place so you an' the young men can study whatever 'tis 
you're a studyin' of. 

Prof. Geology, you mean. There are some valuable speci- 
mens here — more valuable than either of us can imagine. And 
right here there's one thing I wish to caution you about, Mrs. 
Briggs. Do not under any circumstances mortgage or sell your 
home. I have every reason to believe that your neighbor, 
Mr. Podger, will soon make you an offer for it. 

Aunt J. Dear me! Is there a mystery? I'll try not to 
mortgage it until I have to. 

Prof. Sometime perhaps I will explain to you. By the 
way, if a gentleman calls to see me this morning v/ill you 
please have Sam direct him to me? 

Aunt J. Certainly. 

(Enter Miss W., with douquet) 

Miss W, Much obliged for the flowers, Mis' Briggs — oh, I 
beg pardon — I didn't mean to interrupt anybody. 

Aunt J. You aren't interruptin' us. Professor Stephens, 
this is one of our neighbors, Miss Wiggins. (They bow.) 

Miss W. I'm so glad to make your acquaintance, Perfes- 
sor, I want to speak to you about my niece. She's got such 
a wonderful talent for mathematics — addin' an' subtractin' an' 
sech, that I've thought some of havin' her take a special course 
at college. But excuse me — you're jest goin' away, aren't you? 

Prof. I'm only going down the road a piece. 

Miss W. Well then, I'll walk right along with you. That'll 
save time for both of us. Good-bye, Mis' Briggs. (Exeunt Miss 
W. and Prof. S.) 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 15 

Aunt J. (looking after them). Well, did-you-ever! 
(Enter Alice, Bertha, Anna and Dora) 

Alice. Oh, here you are, Aunt Jane. 

Dora. We've been looking all over for you. 

Aunt J. Well, what do you want, my dears? 

Bertha. We want to ask a favor of you. 

Anna. Yes, a very great favor. 

Dora. And we were afraid you wouldn't grant it. 

Aunt J. Do let me hear what it is. 

Alice. We want to borrow something of you. 

Bertha. No, not something, Alice. 

Alice. Of course not. We want to borrow Katie for to- 
morrow afternoon. 

Aunt J. Borrow Katie? 

Anna. Yes, you see we are going to have a little party and 
invite some of the village girls. 

Dora. And we'd like to have you come to it, too. Aunt 
Jane, as our honor guest. 

Bertha. We'll have it all to ourselves because the boys and 
the Professor are going off on a fishing excursion — 

Alice. And we'd like to have Katie come and help us if 
you don't mind. 

Aunt J. I'm perfectly willin' but hadnt' you better ask her 
about it first? 

Bertha. That's so. We'd forgotten to do that. We'll do it 
now. (Exeunt, R.) 

Aunt J. (gazing toward L.). I do believe there's that man 
comin 'to see the professor. He's a stranger anyway. 

(A knock at L. She goes to door.) 

Come in. 

(Enter Mr. Wells) 

Mr. Wells. Good morning, lady. Is this the place where 
Professor Stephens is stopping? 

Aunt J. It is, but you'll find him down in the lots jest now. 
I'll have someone show you the way. 

Mr. W. Thank you. I wish to see him at once on very 
important business. 

(Aunt J. goes to R. and calls "Sam!") 

Sam (outside). Yes'm, heah I is. (Enters.) 

Aunt J. Sam, I wish you'd show this gentleman where to 
find Professor Stephens. 

Sam. Yes'm, I reckon we'll fin* him hammerin' away on 
dem or rocks like all possessed. He's been doin' nutfin' else fo' 
two weeks. (Exeunt Sam and Mr. W.) 
(Enter girls, R.) 



16 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

Dora. It's all right, Mrs. Briggs. "Barkus is willing." 

Alice. And will you come, Aunt Jane? We'll look for you. 

Aunt J, If I can spare the time, my dears. You're getting 
along nicely in the cottage, I hope? 

All. Oh, perfectly splendid! 

Anna. We've named it "Cosy Nook Camp." 

Bertha. Alice has taken possession of the piano. She's 
our musician. You certainly must come and hear one of her 
piano solos sometime. 

Alice. Dora is our vocalist. She hopes sometime to win 
fame before the footlights. 

Aunt J. Before the footlight? 

Alice. On the stage, you know, as a soprano singer. 

Dora. Don't forget Anna. She's the artist. You just ought 
to see some of the pictures she's painted of scenery around 
here. Then she's got a beautiful picture of a cow chewing her 
cud. 

Alice. You see, Mrs. Briggs, we're a very talented bunch — 
in our way. 

Aunt J. You didn't mention, Miss Bertha. What great 
thing does she do? 

Anna. Really, we forgot Bertha. She's our elocutionist- 
speaks pieces, you know, and she's a poet, too. She has written 
a lovely poem about "Cosy Nook Camp." 

Aunt J. Well, I'm real glad you young ladies are enjoyin' 
yourselves. 

All. Oh, we are! We are! We're having the jolliest times 
ever. 

Dora. Come girls. We're hindering Mrs. Briggs. W^e'll 
have just time for a game of tennis. (Exeunt L.) 

Aunt J. My, they're a jolly set — as jolly as they make 'em. 
They've got the world before 'em. Who knows what great men 
an' women these college boys an' girls may become — what won- 
derful deeds they may perform. I hope an' pray that I may 
keep my promise to Billy's mother to send him through college, 
but I can't tell yet what the outcome will be. 
(Enter Katie) 

Katie. Will yez be comin' to see to the pies, mum? 
They've been in the oven that long I'm afraid they'll be burnin'. 

Aunt J. Yes, Katie, I'm comin'. I'd forgotten all about 
them. (Exeunt r.) 

(A great commotion is heard off L.) 
(Enter Ralph) 

Ralph (calling off stage). I say, fellows, bring him right 
in here and set him on the sofa. 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 17 

(Enter Billy and Tom, supporting Harp^y between them. 
They place him on sofa.) 

Ralph. There! Now take off his shoe and stocking. 

Harry. Shucks! What's the use, fellows? I only turned 
my ankle when I stepped off from that horse block. 

Ralph. We aren't going to take any chances on a broken 
leg. Off with the shoe and let Doctor Tom diagnose it. He's 
going to be a doctor some day. 

Tom. Doctor of Divinity, you simpleton — not medicine. 

Ralph. What's the difference. Some doctors of medicine 
wouldn't know any more about it. 

(Boys remove shoe. Stocking may he taken off or turned 
doion. ) 

Tom. Got anything to put on it, Billy? 

Billy. I'll get some liniment. 

Tom. And some bandages. (Exit Billy R. Tom examines 
ankle.) 

Ralph. Anything serious, Tom? 

Harry. I tell you it's nothing. What's the use of all 
this fuss. 

Billy (entering with large bottle and cloths). Here's the 
liniment — all I can find. (Hands bottle to Tom.) 

Tom (examining bottle). Great guns! Horse liniment. 
(Reads) "Saturate cotton v/ith the liniment and bind on the 
affected parts. Keep the horse in a well-bedded stall until the 
soreness has entirely subsided. Shake well before using." 
Somebody shake him while I soak this cloth with liniment. 
(Soaks cloth.) 

Harry. You're not going to put that stuff on my leg — I 
won't have it. 

Ralph. Hold still. Don't get delirious. The operation will 
take but a minute. 

(ToM binds cloth about ankle.) 

Harry. But I say — 

(Enter Aunt J. and Katie, R.) 

Aunt J. Mercy sakes! What's the matter? 

Katie. Shure an' is some wan killed? 

Harry. Now see what a fuss you fellows have stirred up. 
(Enter girls, L., hurriedly) 

Dora. Oh dear! Is Harry hurt? Somebody said he was. 

Others. What is it, anyway? 

Harry. Nothing only I turned my ankle. 

Ralph. And sprained it. Doctor Tom has been binding it 
up. 



18 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

Anna (looking at hottle). V/ith horse liniment? 

Katie. For the love uv Mike! 

Aunt J. Dear me! If you'd only brought him out into the 
kitchen we could have bathed it in v/arm water first. 

Dora. That's what mother always does. 

Billy. Help him into the kitchen, fellovv^s, and let Dora and 
her assistants fix it up, because here is Deacon Podger coming 
to see Aunt Jane. 

Aunt J. Deacon Podger? Dear me! 

Billy. Yes, he's right here. 

Aunt J. Don't go away, Billy. 

(Boys assist Harry off at R. Others follow. Knock at L. 
Enter Deacon Podger.) 

Deacon. Howdy do, howdy do, Mis' Briggs, (shakes hands) 
an' Billy, too, I declare. I ain't seen ye since ye got back. I 
hear ye've got a house full of folks here. 

Aunt J. Yes, some of Billy's friends from the college are 
here. 

Deacon. Jest thought I'd step in as I was goin' by an' see 
if you v/as ready to take up with my offer for the place. I've 
got $2,000 ready to give ye jest as soon as ye say the word. 

Aunt J. No, deo.con, I'm not quite ready to sell yet. 

Deacon. V/aL I didn't know. That offer don't hold good 
allers. I'll have to invest the raoney somewheres before long. 
I calc'Iate you'll need the money to send the young man through 
college. 

Aunt J. I'm afraid I shall need the money before the year's 
over but somehow I can't bring myself to part with the old 
homestead. It's been in our family for most seventy years. 

Deacon. Wal, as I told ye before, I could take a first mort- 
gage on the place if ye'd ruther. 

Billy. No, sir. Deacon Podger, my aunt will never mort- 
gage her home while I am able to do for her. 

Deacon. Oh ho! You're mighty independent all of a sud- 
den. 'Pears to me ye hain't done much so fur. 

Billy. But that is no sign I cannot and will not work. 
(Enter Sam, L.) 

Sam. De 'fessor hab done quit hammerin'' rocks an' he 
an' dat odder man am comin' down de road. Reckon dey's got 
sumpin up dere sleebes, dey's talkin' so earnes'. 

Deacon. V/al, what's your decision. Mis' Briggs? I'm in 
a hurry. 

Aunt J. I can't give you an answer today. Really, I can't. 

(Enter Professor and Mr. Wells, 'but seeing the deacon they 
turn to go hack with the loords ''Beg pardon,'' etc.) 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 13 

Aunt J. Come riglit in, Professor. Der.con Podger has 
stopped in to see about buying my place. He offers me $2,000 
for it. 

Deacon. An' a big price for it, too, considerin' the times. 

PiJOF. I would advise you again not to dispose of your place. 
First let me introduce to you Mr. Wells, who comes here today 
at my request. He will explain matters to you better than I 
can. 

Mr. Wells. I'll tell you in a very few words, Mrs. Briggs. 
Your place is v/orth many times what this gentleman offers you. 
(Deacon appears very excited and tries to interrupt.) Wait just 
a moment, sir. My reason for saying this is that v/e have 
found a vein of copper on it. Just how extensive this vein is I 
am unable to say at present, but the prospects are good — very 
good indeed. 

Deacon. I've got something to say about that. The place 
where you've been investigatin' is on my property. The line 
fence sets over on my land fifteen feet an' I can prove it. 

Frof. Pray don't get unduly excited, my dear sir This 
vein that we are speaking of is much farther than that from 
the line fence. 

Deacon. Wal, we'll see, vv^e'll see! {Stumps off stage.) 

Aunt J. Dear me, I hope it'll turn out all right. It seems 
too good to be true. 

Peof (taking piece of rock from pocket). Here is a piece of 
the ore. It has been proved to be genuine copper. We are to 
make further investigations, however, and Mr. Wells will then 
make arrangements with you for developing it. 

(Enter Miss Wiggins carrying plate toith 7iapkin over it.) 

Miss W. Excuse me. Mis' Briggs, but I've brought over 
some cottage cheese for your dinner. The perfessor says he 
is very fond of it. 

Aunt J. Thank you. Miss Wiggins. Here, Sam, take it 
out an' give it to Katie. 

(Sam takes plate and just before leaving stage takes a large 
bite of the cheese.) 

Mr. V/ells (to Miss W.). Isn't this the Miss Wiggins who 
used to live in Petersville about twenty years ago? I thought 
it was you when you came in. 

Miss W. Land sakes! I do believe this is Philander Wells. 
(Shake hands.) Where have you been all these years? I've 
thought of you real often. 

Mr. W. I've been in Butte, Montana, in the copper region. 

Miss W. Be you goin' to stay long? 

Mr. W. I shall be in the vicinity for some time. We are 
investigating a copper deposit on Mrs. Briggs' farm. 



20 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

Mlss W. Well, do teU! A copper mine? What won't hap- 
pen next! You must come an' see me, Mr. Wells. I live in the 
first house on the right. 

(Enter Saivi, R.) 

Sam. Ebrybody come to dinner. De eatables am all on de 
table. 

Tom (entering). And I wish to say to you that, under 
skillful nursing, our patient is now on the road to recovery. 

Billy. And I have equally good news for you, classmates. 
My Aunt Jane is now the possessor of a valuable copper mine, 
thanks to Professor Stephens' explorations, so she will not have 
to mortgage her home. 

Ralph. I say. Bully for Aunt Jane for— 

All. She's all right! 

Harry. Who's all right? 

All. Aunt Jane. 

AursT J. Mercy sakes! Now everybody come while the din- 
ner's warm. 

(All pass off stage at R.) 

Curtain 
ACT III 

Scene: The lawn at "Cosy Nook Camp." Rustic chairs and 
benches, or camp chairs, at R. and rear. One large easy chair 
occupies a prominent position near the center of the group. 
Japanese lanterns are suspended from ropes or wires across 
stage. A banner at C. bears the words "Cosy Nook Camp." 

The college boys and girls are discovered arranging chairs. 
(Enter Professor and Aunt Jane) 

Prof. Well, young ladies, you have an ideal evening for 
your farewell party. Every star in the firmament is visible to- 
night with not a trace of a cloud to mar their brightness. 

Dora. And see how full and bright the moon is, too. Pro- 
fessor, and how it shines and glistens on the surface of the 
lake. 

Ralph. Just right for a boat ride, eh? 

Anna. Yet after all there's a feeling of sadness in the 
thought that tomorrow we must leave all— the cottage, the lake— 
everything. 

Bertha. It certainly has been a dandy summer. 

Prof. I agree with you. It has been the most satisfactory 
vacation I have ever spent— most satisfactory in every way. 
It has been a decidedly delightful summer. 

Tom. "Delightful" doesn't express it, Professor. It has been 
a bully summer. 

Prof. Well, whatever adjectives we may use to describe it, 
I think I am safe in saying that everyone of us has enjoyed 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 21 

it thoroughly. We could not have selected anywhere a better 
place to spend the summer months, a more healthful spot, a 
more congenial people to associate with, and a more hospitable 
hostess than we have had in Mrs. Briggs. 

Harry. That's right, Professor. We all agree with you. 
Don't we? 

All. Yes! Yes! Sure we do! 

Prof. The verdict is unanimous. 

Aunt J. Now, Mr. Stephens and all of you, I just think 
you're tryin' to flatter me as a sort of farewell compliment. 
I'm afraid there was more of charity in it than anything else. 

Prof. No, I assure you that if there vv^as any charity in it, 
it would be hard to say to whom the charity was shown. I 
think, take it all in all, that we have been the gainers. 

Aunt J. Well, I'm awfully glad things have turned out as 
well as they have. 

H.\ert. I say, what's this coming? Looks some like Sam's 
complexion. 

ToM. Look at the outfit, will you! 
(Enter Sam) 

Ralph (singing). Oh, where did you get those pants? 

Billy. And the stand-up collar. There's style for you all 
right. 

Sam. Gemman, dis am my ebenin' suit. 

Tom. Did j^ou borrow them, Sam? 

Sam. Yes, sah. Yo' see I didn't hab nuffin' fit to weah on 
such a suspicious occasion an' so — 

Harry. If you'd asked me I would have loaned you some 
pajamas. 

Sam. Yes, sah, an' so de gals dey done fixed me out wif 
dis fine suit ob clothes. 

Ralph. The gals? What about it, ladies? 

Bertha. It's a suit I had last year for our society masquer- 
ade and I let Sam take it. He has promised to sing for us bye 
and bye in payment for it. 

Tom. Good enough. We have nothing more to say. 

Aunt J. (to Katie ivho just enters). Katie, have you seen 
anything of Miss Wiggins? 

Katie. Yes, mum. She was sittin' down in a boat wid Mr. 
Wells just a minute ago. 

Aunt J. Well, I never! 

Katie. An' here they both be a comin'. 

Alice. Now if you will all find seats we will have a little 
musical performance — we can't say it's a treat because — well, 
because it's just a simple little affair we've gotten up quickly. 

Dora. V^Te have saved this easy chair for Aunt Jane. 



22 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

(All take seats, Aunt Jane sitting in easy chair near C. with 
Prof. S. at her side. Mr. Wells ancZ Miss W. together at R. 
Others as desired. College, patriotic or popular songs may he 
given hy girls, also ty boys or hy mixed voices. A coon song may 
be given by Sam. This program may be made as long as de- 
sired.) 

Alice. Bertha has a little poem that we want you all to 
hear. 

Bebtha. I don't call it poetry. It's just a little effusion 
that I wrote one morning to amuse myself and the girls got hold 
of it and said I would have to read it. It's entitled: 

COSY NOOK 

I know a fairy land not famed 

In song or story book, 
Though 'tis a spot I hold most dear — 

Its name is "Cosy Nook." i 

It overlooks a pretty lake iiy 

Where sunbeams dance and gleam 
And lovers in their little skiffs 
i^ Float gently on its stream. 

'Tis sheltered from the burning sun 
By rocks and spreading trees, 
. ": And where it faces toward the lake, 

It catches every breeze. 

It harbored there one season brief, 
'\ Four maidens blithe and gay. 

And there within those cottage walls 
Full many a lark had they. 

But now its rooms are bare and still. 

No voices there resound, 
No laughter shakes its roof — alas! 

There's silence most profound. 

Yet deep within my inmost heart, 
Where strange eyes cannot look, 

I hold the sweetest memories still 
Of dear old "Cosy Nook." 

Anna. You see that's the way we all feel about Cosy Nook. 
We're going to have it published in the College Review next 
month. 

Billy. It's my opinion the poem shows signs of a budding 
genius. 



BILLY'S AUNT JANE 23 

Ralph. Or in other words, an "embryo poet." What do 
you say, Professor? 

Prof. It's very good — very good indeed for a beginning. 

Alice. We're going to have Dora write up the chronicles 
of our summer vacation and have them published sometime. 

Haery. Well, don't forget about my catching the largest 
fish — fifty pounds remember. 

Ralph. Say, don't mention the ball game, whatever you do. 
We don't want the other fellows to find out how we got trimmed 
by the Schuyler Hill nine. 

Dora. But the greatest event of all was Professor Stephen's 
discovery of copper and the formation of the Cross Lake Copper 
Co. 

Bertha. I can't forget how mad that Deacon Podger got 
when he found out the line fence was over on Mrs. Briggs' land 
instead of his own. 

Sam. Golly, he jes' hopped right up an' down, he was so 
mad. 

Miss W. They do say the Deacon's goin' to get someone 
to see if there ain't some copper on his land. 

Aunt J. Well, I for one don't wish him any ill luck. 

Tom. Gee! I'll tell you folks one thing — I feel mighty sorry 
to have to leave here tomorrow. We've had a lot of fun. 

Several. That's right, Tom, we have, 

Tom. We feel sorry to leave the people here, and we feel 
sorry to leave Aunt Jane. 

Prof. As for leaving Aunt Jane, I can relieve your feelings 
somewhat by informing you that she is going back to college 
with us. 

Several. What? How? Aunt Jane going to college? 

Miss W. Land sakes! Do tell! 

Billy. Is that a fact, Aunty? 

Aunt J. Yes, Billy, we've saved the news until tonight. 

Alice. I know the meaning of it now. See! There's a 
brand new ring on Aunt Jane's finger. 

Prof. You will no doubt see much of her through the 
school year. Our summer vacations, however, will be spent in 
her old home. 

Aunt J. An' we hope you'll all come back again next sum- 
mer an' stay with us. 

Several, We will! We will! 

Miss W. An' Philander an' myself would be glad to have 
you come an' visit us anytime during' the year. 

Aunt J. What? You too, Miss Wiggins? 

(Exclamations of surprise hy others) 



24 BILLY'S AUNT JANE 

Me. Wells. Yes, Mrs. Briggs, we have just concluded the 
bargain. The knot will be tied just as soon as Miss Wiggins 
can get ready. 

Miss W. It won't take me long. 

Sam. Golly, she done kotched him at las'. 

Billy. Will you close up the house for the winter, Aunty? 

Aunt J. No, Katie's goin' to stay right here. 

Billy. What? Alone? 

Aunt J. You'd better tell 'em about it, Katie. 

Katie. 'Tis Mr. McGinnis an' mesilf will be at home afther 
nixt Monday, at which toime the saramony will be performed. 

Girls. Another one! 

Harby. Gee whiz! It's catching. 

Ralph. Three strikes and out. 

Sam. Golly, I jes' wish I could fin' a nice cullud lady. 

ToJM. Congratulations are in order. Here's health and happi' 
ness and long life to all of you. 

All. But especially to Professor and Aunt Jane. 

Curtain 



The Mbboantile Pbess 

345 W. Fayette St. 

Syracuse, N. Y. 



TWO DECIDED NOVELTIES 

FOR PRIMARY GRADES 



The Midget's Grand Parade 

A delightful pageant of little drills, marches, songs and 
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The Funny Little Food Folks 

A novelty entertainment for children. Requires 5 boys and 
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A SPLENDID NEW PLAY 

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Closing Day at Beanville Scliool 

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A farce in one act by Willis N. Bugbee. For 4 males 
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Mercantile Press, 345 W. Fayette St., Syracuse, N. Y. 



